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Surprising Foods That Keep You Hydrated

According to just-released data from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, this past July was the hottest month on record in the United States — and the summer isn't over yet! When the next heat wave hits, be prepared with these foods (yes, really!) that can help keep you hydrated.

Oatmeal Oatmeal on a hot summer day? Yes! This traditional breakfast food can have more water than soup, says Heidi Skolnik, MS, CDN, FACSM, owner of Nutrition Conditioning, Inc. Added bonus: It also contains fiber, which is good for reducing your risk for heart disease.

Applesauce Made up of 88 percent water, applesauce also can help keep you hydrated. "Which is so great because it goes down so easily," says Skolnik, who also is a spokesperson for GoGo squeeZ, a portable and squeezable pouch of applesauce that comes in five flavors.

Popsicles Skolnik recommends this fun summer treat — made up of mostly water — as a great way for everyone in the family to up their water intake. Just keep it healthy by making your own. "A popsicle made from 3/4 cup orange juice has 88 percent water," she points out.

Yogurt One of the standards for breakfast also is a great way to stay hydrated, since yogurt is 85 percent water, Skolnik says. Yogurt also can be a good source of protein, which will help you stay full.

Oranges Skolnik points out that oranges are made up of 79 percent water, making the fruit the perfect water-packed snack that you can take anywhere.

Cucumbers Cucumbers are made up of 96 percent water, and are low in calories, Skolnik says. She recommends slicing them and eating them like chips, either with dip or just when you want something with a little crunch.

Avocado An avocado's water content varies based on ripeness and maturity, "but has between 70-80 percent water content," Skolnik says. One cup of it contains 10 grams of fiber, 14 percent copper, and 11 percent of both magnesium and manganese, she adds.

Gazpacho This summer soup is a great way to cool down and hydrate since tomatoes are made up of 94 percent water, Skolnik says, adding that all vegetables are really high-water foods and are great aids in staying hydrated.